Jacob update

Jacob had his first pediatrician visit today. The doctor said he looks good, the only problem is that his jaundice is worse than when we left the hospital. They did a blood test in the office and determined that his bilibrubin is higher than they'd like, so this afternoon Cook's Children's home health delivered"bili lights" to the house which will help him get rid of the extra bilirubin. Apparently Stephen had the same problem as a newborn.

The doctor is very nice and encouraging, she thinks he'll do just fine. She believes that in a few days his levels will be low enough to stop the bili lights. We have a follow-up appointment on Thursday morning to re-check the levels and see if we need to continue the phototherapy or not.

Needless to say I feel terrible that he has to stay in his bili light suitcase thing all day (I was a wreck in the doctor's office, of course). In order for it to work, he has to stay under the lights as much as possible except for feedings and diaper changes. It's hard not being able to hold him when he's crying but hopefully this won't last past Thursday. I'm just thankful that he doesn't have to go to the hospital and can stay with us at home. Luckily, Stephen was able to coordinate his ER shifts so that he can be at home with us for a few more days. Please pray that the bili lights do their job and that Jacob's liver enzymes mature quickly to be able to handle the extra bilirubin! (and for my sanity of course :)

I'm trying to keep a sense of humor though, despite the raging hormones and a mother's worrying... I'll have to post a picture of our "toboggan sunbather" at some point. Despite being sad when I see him in there, he still manages to look really cute!